$38 : I have a seven year old golden retriever who has an allergy.

Nancy,

With the duration of this problem, I would urge you to consider asking for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. I have a "3 visit" rule at my practice - if we can not diagnose or significantly improve a problem, or feel as though we are heading in the right direction, I recommend a referral.

Your vet should be very understanding of your request, and you can locate a boarded vet
dermatologist here:

https://www.acvd.org/

I'm very glad to hear that regular thyroid blood work has been performed, and that she is not hypothyroid. Hopefully regular liver/kidney labs are checked also - this will be important to rule out conditions that may cause her to be more sensitive or prone to infections, and also, to evaluate her overall health and see if she is healthy enough for medications that she may need.

With the discoloration, it will be very important that skin scrapings and tape preps are taken to rule out both demodex and malassezia (yeast). Especially with a history of ear infections due to yeast - I see many topical (skin) yeast infections. If left untreated, dark discoloration and eventually, thickening of the skin, can occur. More info:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=466

If you can't control the yeast, even if you control the underlying allergy, it will persist. Yeast infections are typically very itchy.

Sometimes, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out a deep bacterial infection, or demodex deep in the tissue, which can not be readily found. In addition, goldens are a breed that can have a genetic keritinization disorder, that may need special treatment to maintain.

I think a thorough exam, some sampling and microscopic evaluation, labs (if due) and a complete history about what was tried in the past and what was effective/not effective is in order.

Once this is done, your vet or specialist may wish to treat the infection and NOT make a food change, or may wish to start a food trial. However, unless the specialist has a high suspicion of food allergy, he/she may start with treating secondary infections - otherwise, it will be hard to know what is causing the improvement. Does that make sense?

Here are handouts on food allergies that I print out for my clients.They have a list of recommended foods and links to sites for home-cooking:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=652

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2499

I do recommend either home cooking or true prescription hypoallergenic diets for a 12 week trial - there isn't enough quality control/strict control on over-the-counter brands, and if the trial doesn't work - you won't know if it was due to the food, or if she does NOT have food allergies.

Please reply back if you need anything else, or if I can help in any other way. Allergies and secondary infections are typically complicated, and I'm sorry there aren't any quick fixes I can provide here. However, I am really hopeful that if you see a dermatologist, you could see a remarkable improvement.

Sincerely,
XX. X.

Veterinarian

>10 years practicing veterinary medicine including exotics, fish, reptiles. Canine/feline specialist

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